India has called up spinner Varun Chakravarthy to their ODI squad for the upcoming three-match series against England, following his stellar performance in the recently concluded T20I series. Chakravarthy, who was the highest wicket-taker in India’s 4-1 victory over England in the T20Is, claimed 14 wickets at an impressive average of 9.86 and an economy rate of 7.66.

This marks Chakravarthy's first-ever inclusion in India’s ODI squad, despite being uncapped at the 50-over level. The spinner has only played 23 List A games and was the second-highest wicket-taker in this season's Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he claimed 18 wickets in six matches for Tamil Nadu.

Chakravarthy travelled with the squad to Nagpur, the venue for the first ODI, and was seen training ahead of Thursday's series opener. His inclusion bolsters India's already strong spin attack, which features Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar.

The ODIs against England are especially significant for India as they represent the team's first 50-over matches since August of last year. The series also serves as preparation for the upcoming Champions Trophy, with several key bowlers, including Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, and Jasprit Bumrah, returning from injury. Bumrah is part of the squad but will only feature in the third ODI, while Harshit Rana is named in the squad for the first two games.

England, meanwhile, have named Rehan Ahmed as cover for the ODI series after he was on drink duties during the T20Is. Joe Root, who arrived in India ahead of the fifth T20I in Mumbai, is set to return to the squad at No. 3 for the opening ODI, though Jamie Smith is a doubt for the first two games due to a minor calf injury.

The three-match series will take place in Nagpur, Cuttack, and Ahmedabad on February 6, 9, and 12, before India heads to Dubai for the Champions Trophy. India has until February 11 to make changes to their Champions Trophy squad without needing approval from the ICC.

India ODI Squad for England Series: Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill (vice-captain), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana (first two ODIs), Jasprit Bumrah (third ODI), Varun Chakravarthy.